At least six people have been killed and many others injured in India after worshipers trampled on a Hindu religious event in the state of Andhra Pradesh, local authorities said today.
The stampede took place yesterday as thousands of devotees jostled to get vouchers to be allowed into the Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirupati, considered an important pilgrimage site for Hindus.
"This unfortunate incident (…) caused the death of six believers. I pray that God rests their souls," a spokesperson of the ruling party in Andhra Pradesh told the press.
Federal Prime Minister Narendra Modi, an ultranationalist Hindu, said on social media that he was "pained" by the crash, offering his condolences to the victims.
Religious events are often marred by deadly accidents in India, as authorities appear unable to control large crowds and are more widely blamed for many safety lapses.
So in July, at least 121 people died in a stampede at a Hindu festival in the state of Uttar Pradesh (north).
Source: protothema.gr
Discussion about this post